Ever the optimist Steve, ever the optimist.
When we were in Malta we stayed at Sliema across the water from Valletta, a 7 day bus ticket was 12 euros for unlimited travel. Not a big fan of bus travel but given the parking difficulties in the busy areas it proved really useful. Can also recommend a trip to Gozo (top of the island and catch the ferry) and definetely this http://www.casaroccapiccola.com/ which is really interesting. Walk straight down the main street in Valletta past the square and it is on your right just down the slope.
Found this interesting too http://www.heritagemalta.org/museums...itimecoll.html